Things to Know About HVAC Control Systems

It takes an elaborate HVAC control system to manage heating, cooling and ventilation in a large building to ensure occupant comfort and energy efficiency. In such a system, software gathers data from various sensors and controllers to continuously monitor interior conditions, and synchronizes the operation of the different HVAC components. Your home’s HVAC has controls too, and while they’re less complex, they serve the same essential purpose.

Types of Home HVAC Controls

The thermostat controls heating, cooling and air distribution equipment in the central HVAC systems found in most homes. The first thermostats were basic mechanical devices that simply signaled the furnace, air conditioner and blower fan to start and stop at chosen temperature set points. Technology has advanced a lot, and today there are sophisticated controls available to provide optimal comfort, convenience and energy efficiency, such as:

Programmable digital thermostats.

Digital thermostats rely on a thermistor and micro-controller to measure and display room temperature. To make saving energy easy while ensuring comfort, programmable models have factory-installed software that let a homeowner input their desired temperature settings for as many as eight setback periods a day.

Zoning systems.

A zoning system breaks a home’s HVAC system into two or more areas for more precise control of energy consumption and comfort. Most zoning systems include a central control panel that’s linked to individual programmable thermostats and motorized dampers in the ductwork that define the different zones. From the control panel, a homeowner can input their heating and cooling preferences and schedule setback periods.

Smart thermostats.

Smart or “communicating” thermostats are programmable, and they gather and share information on interior conditions so a homeowner can monitor and make adjustments remotely. More advanced versions have built-in software algorithms to allow the device to “learn” and automatically adapt to the owner’s comfort preferences. These sophisticated controls can also monitor and adjust for the outdoor weather, humidity, indoor air quality and occupancy. Some can even alert a homeowner about required routine maintenance, or developing problems with the HVAC equipment.

To learn about HVAC control system options for your Coastal Bend home, contact us at CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your HVAC system,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

The opinions and statements contained in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not instructions. Only trained, licensed and experienced personnel should attempt installation/repair. The author assumes no liability for the opinions/statements made in this article. Any individual attempting a repair or installation based on this article does so at their own risk of loss.